In loving memory of

Thomas Virgil Lawrence
December 11, 1941 - February 1, 2023

Thomas "Tom" Virgil Lawrence, Age 81, of Rochester, Minnesota, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away February 1, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital, due to complications from Cancer.

Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years Sherry, sons Peter (Brenda) and Michael (Joanne) and grandchildren Katie, Mason, Emma, and Hannah.

Tom was born December 11, 1941, to Thomas and Leora Lawrence in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Fargo, ND and attended NDSU, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree. NDSU is also where he met his wife, Sherry. Tom and Sherry were married July 10, 1965, the Army immediately sent Tom to Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Tom and Sherry moved to Rochester when Tom was hired at IBM where he would continue to work for over 30 years.

During this time in Rochester Tom went back to school at the University of Minnesota to earn an MBA. After retiring from IBM, Tom took up tax preparation at H&R Block, where he enjoyed working with tax clients until he was no longer able to.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, including attending dance recitals for his granddaughters and sporting events for his grandson. Tom also spent much of his free time helping build youth and high school soccer in Rochester and the surrounding area. He had many roles in his soccer life: Parent Volunteer, Coach, Referee, Treasurer, Scheduler, Board Member and was inducted into the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) Hall of Fame in 2018.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11am at Congregational Church (974 Skyline Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to MN Rush Youth Soccer.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Lawrence family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.

Tributes

Lisa Gifford wrote on Feb 19, 2023:

"I?m sorry for the loss of Tom. He did our taxes many years and was such a kind heart. He will be missed by many. May he rest in eternal peace. ??"

Rita and Dan M wrote on Feb 16, 2023:

"So sorry for your loss. We met Tom through tax preparation and we are saddened we will not be seeing him. He was so pleasant and caring. "

Kathy Scheid wrote on Feb 13, 2023:

"I played Rec league Women's and mixed soccer for 21 years. Tom encouraged me, taught me and played with me on occasion as well as ref'd many games. I didn't play soccer in high school so was nervous at first and he was so encouraging. I too think this picture of Tom is the perfect one to remember him by. My sincere sympathies for the passing of such a wonderful and community minded person. "

Cory Mueller wrote on Feb 10, 2023:

"Peter, I'm so sorry to here about your dad. Thoughts and prayers with you and the entire family during this time. Cory Mueller"

Connie Wobig wrote on Feb 10, 2023:

"Our son Brad just sent the notice to us that Tom, had passed away. Many fond memories, of time spent with traveling soccer team, that Tom coached. Brad & Family send our condolences, to all. Gary, Connie & Brad Wobig"

Bob and CarolKing wrote on Feb 9, 2023:

"To the family of Tom Lawerence. We wish to express our sympathies. Bob and I graduated from Fargo Central with Tom. We also both went to NDSU. Bob worked at IBM with Tom. We also remember Tom as a referee at soccer games that our grandson played in. Our sympathies and thoughts are with the family. Robert and Carol King"

Kelly Morse Nowicki wrote on Feb 9, 2023:

"The world truly is a little less bright now. That picture is a perfect representation of him. His smile, the sparkle in his eyes and his love for soccer. I grew up playing soccer in Rochester and I honestly do not have a memory of soccer without Tom. All the various roles he played through the years has made soccer what it is today in southern minnesota. I will miss seeing him dearly. Love to Sherry and the family. Rest in peace Tom and enjoy playing soccer on the forever pitch!"

Cheryl Johnson wrote on Feb 7, 2023:

"I have many warm memories of Tom while coaching my son?s soccer teams. He had the biggest heart of any coach I knew. He was a great example for the boys! Now May you rest in peace and thank you for all you have done ?. "

Sharon and Thomas Hanson wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"So very sorry to read this. Tom and I were office mates years and years ago at IBM Rochester, early 1980's. I have seen him most every year since when he was at H&R Block! Tom worked tirelessly doing taxes. I could see he was getting tired in these later years and wondered how long he was going to keep doing taxes. I would bring Tom some fruit and a pop for our tax appointments. It was annually a time to catch up with Tom, for my husband Thomas, and our sons too. He was a good friend. When Tom was too busy to leave the tax office, he would ask if I could go check on his wife. Of course I would! I'd go to the house and stay with Sherry until he could get away, it was only a couple of times and close to tax deadline. Tom was a wonderful person, and as far as I could tell a good family man and a loving husband. He was a caring person and a faithful working man! My/our ?sympathies to his family! So sorry Sherry for your loss. ?"

Lauren Meurer wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Thank you Tom for everything you did for us. You were simply the best. So sad to hear of your passing today when I called to schedule a tax appt with you. You will be greatly missed! So enjoyed our talks about your family during my appointments with you. It was an honor to know you ??. I will be out of town during your service, but please know you will definitely be in my thoughts that day. Until we meet again??.. Lauren"

Amel Dudakovic wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Rest in peace, Tom! My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was a high school sophomore, newly arrived to this country and city - a war refugee looking for a new start. I found a sense of belonging after joining the soccer team at John Marshall HS. It was Tom?s leadership and most notably his kindness that made all the difference for me. Years later, always brought a smile on my face seeing him help new generations on and off the soccer field. Tom will be missed in our community. "

Rob Thompson (IBM/Referee) wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Well Nutz, After knowing Tom from IBM and refereeing (especially his multiple retirement celebrations from IBM :-) ) , I can only be sad that the last time I seen him (at a Co-ed game in the fall), I'd teased him about being my hero, but I never got to setup having coffee with him afterwards. He will be missed. ciao, Rob T. "

Jordan Broers wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Thank you, Tom. I have been so blessed to know and call you a friend through many years of soccer reffing. He is a legend in the soccer world and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great man and his memories and teachings will live on. "

LaDonna Carlile wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. With God's guidance may your precious memories carry you through this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. LaDonna (Hegdahl) and Ron Carlile"

Neil Cassidy wrote on Feb 6, 2023:

"Tom welcomed me when I first moved over to Rochester from England 20 years ago. Through the 20 years I have known him, his passion for growing the soccer through his various roles is immeasurable. He mentored countless individuals and everyone who had Tom in their life is one lucky individual. I will miss our chats on Saturday's and you are sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family of this amazing individual. Rest in Peace Tom."